Both Hoffenheim and Mainz need to be flawless in the next few rounds if they want to achieve their goals. For the hosts, it is another season in the elite. For Mainz, it is a historical debut in the Champions League.
Hoffenheim's tough defeat at RB Leipzig made it four rounds without a win in a row in the elite. Another one of those and the team could find itself dangerously close to the relegation zone. They sit five points clear from the drop zone ahead of this match. This is Hoffenheim's second-worst season in terms of points won in 28 rounds and their remaining schedule is one of the worst possible too.
Mainz continue to push towards a historical debut in the UEFA Champions League but the last three rounds have made their task much harder. The 3-1 defeat at Dortmund was followed by a shocking 1-1 draw at home with Holstein Kiel, leaving them just one point ahead of their chasers.
How the bookies view it: Almost identical chances
Bookmakers expect a tight contest, with the odds for the two teams being almost the same. You can pick Hoffenheim at 17/10 or Mainz at 3/2. At the same time, the draw is available at 5/2.
Recent head to head: Hoffenheim have no solution
While this is Mainz's best season in the elite to date, the team has been dominating this rivalry for years. Hoffenheim have only two wins in the last 10 official H2Hs, with their last triumph being in 2022. In turn, Mainz have claimed the points on six occasions, including three of the last four. The reverse fixture this season ended in a decisive 2-0 for the 05ers.
Players to watch: Time for Burkardt to get active
Jonathan Burkardt had a couple of disappointing performances but should have a boost of confidence when he faces a team he's punished on multiple occasions in the past. The 24-year-old is having his best season with the team yet with 15 Bundesliga goals, two of which came in the reverse fixture against Hoffenheim. Moreover, he scored against them last season too.
Probable line-ups
Hoffenheim: Baumann, Prass, Chaves, Akpoguma, Kaderabek, Becker, Stach, Bischof, Kramaric, Moerstedt, Orban
Mainz: Zentner, Kohr, Jenz, Costa, Mwene, Sano, Caci, Widmer, Weiper, Nebel, Burkardt
Anything else catch the eye?
Hoffenheim's form suggests a possible upset against Mainz and it will generally not be a surprise. The 05ers have been one the best visitors in the league this season, in fact, the third best after Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The 3-1 loss to Dortmund was always a possibility but Mainz won three in a row away from home before that.
Hoffenheim had four draws in the last five home games but this doesn't change the fact that only one team has conceded more goals at home than them in 14 games. Their goal difference at home is 21:29, which suggests a high-scoreline.
Mainz have had over 2.5 goals in 10 of their 14 away games too. We will probably go for both goal markets here (BTTS & Over 2.5) as nine of the last 10 H2Hs saw both teams score and 7/10 had at least three goals.
This German Bundesliga match between Hoffenheim and Mainz will be played on and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hoffenheim vs Mainz prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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